Rent Arrears: What to Do

If you have missed a rent payment or know you are about to miss one, take these steps immediately:

• Contact your landlord: Do not ignore the problem. Contact your landlord or letting agent in writing and explain the situation. Many landlords prefer to agree a payment plan rather than go through costly eviction proceedings. A proactive approach significantly improves the chance of an informal resolution.
• Check your benefits entitlement: If you are on a low income, you may be entitled to Universal Credit (which includes a housing element) or Housing Benefit (if you are pension age). Use the Turn2Us benefits calculator (turn2us.org.uk) or speak to Citizens Advice to check your entitlements.
• Apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP): If you already receive housing benefit or Universal Credit housing element but it does not cover your full rent, apply to your local council for a DHP to cover the shortfall.
• Contact a debt charity: StepChange (stepchange.org) and National Debtline (nationaldebtline.org) provide free debt advice and can help you prioritise your debts.

Many landlords are willing to agree a repayment plan for arrears, particularly if you have been a reliable tenant previously and can demonstrate you are taking the arrears seriously. When proposing a plan:

• Be realistic about what you can afford — do not agree to a plan you cannot keep to.
• Offer a specific amount per month on top of your ongoing rent.
• Put the agreement in writing and ask the landlord to confirm it in writing too.
• Stick to the plan — missed payments on an agreed plan make court proceedings more likely.

If you are in social housing (council or housing association), your landlord should have an arrears management policy. Contact their income team directly and ask about their support options before arrears become significant.

Even with significant rent arrears, your landlord cannot evict you without going through the court process. The most common route is a Section 8 notice citing Ground 8 (2+ months' arrears — mandatory) or Grounds 10 and 11 (discretionary).

If a Section 8 notice is served:

• You have the notice period to try to reduce the arrears (typically 14 days for Ground 8)
• The landlord must then apply to court — the hearing is typically 4–8 weeks after application
• If arrears are below 2 months at the hearing date, the court may refuse possession on Ground 8 (though it retains discretion on Grounds 10/11)
• You can raise defences including disrepair counterclaims and failures to protect the deposit

Reducing arrears below 2 months before the court hearing is critical if the landlord is relying on Ground 8. This is where obtaining DHPs, benefits backdating, and debt advice can make a decisive difference.

Several organisations can provide urgent help with rent arrears:

• Citizens Advice: Free advice on benefits, debt, and housing rights. They can help you access entitlements you may have missed.
• Shelter: Housing specialists who can advise on eviction defence and emergency accommodation.
• StepChange: Free debt advice and debt management plans. They can help you prioritise debts and negotiate with creditors.
• Your local council: If you are at risk of homelessness, you have the right to apply for assistance under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Councils must work with you on a personalised housing plan from the point of threat — you do not need to wait until you are actually homeless.
• Local welfare assistance: Many councils offer emergency food and financial support. Ask your council about their Local Welfare Assistance scheme.